The five-year-old is also engaged in Sunday's Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, but the Limerick handler will be sending him across the Irish Sea.

The Michael O'Leary-owned gelding suffered a surprise wide-margin defeat to Miley Shah on his Punchestown reappearance and Byrnes is hoping a wind operation can help him put that setback behind him.

"He's definitely running at Newcastle and we're looking forward to the race," said Byrnes. "He's had a minor wind operation since his last run.

"It's only a small field on Saturday and there is some good prize money. Hopefully, we'll bring a bit of it home with us."

Last season's Triumph hurdle winner Countrywide Flame has also been confirmed for the contest by trainer John Quinn.

Trainer Harry Fry will make a decision this morning about the participation of reigning Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby, while plans are similarly fluid for the Nicky Henderson-trained Darlan, owned by JP McManus.